PDFs are awkward to translate because a clean-looking page still has text layers, scans, layout choices, and security settings underneath. Start with a full-file translator when you need a downloadable copy. When the file pushes back, use the matching route for selected text, scanned pages, mobile translation, or AI chat.
1. Start with Google Translate for a whole PDF
- 1.Open Google Translate in a desktop browser.
- 2.Select Documents.
- 3.Use From and To to choose languages, or select Detect language for the source.
- 4.Select Browse your computer and choose the PDF.
- 5.Select Translate.
- 6.Select Download translation.
Google Translate Documents runs on desktop web, supports PDFs up to 10 MB, and accepts PDF files up to 300 pages. Scanned PDF pages belong in the image route below.
2. Pick DeepL for a downloadable translation
This fixes the need for a translated file download.
Open DeepL Translator on the web or open the DeepL desktop app.
Next, select Translate files.
Drag the PDF into Translate files or choose it from your computer.
Then use the target language selector to choose one or more languages.
Set glossary, formality, or language model options when your plan includes them.
After that, select Start translations or Translate into [language].
Select Download.
DeepL file translation requires a DeepL account. PDF limits and monthly file translations are plan-based; CAD-exported PDFs are not supported, scanned-document quality affects results, and DOCX output requires DeepL Pro Advanced, Ultimate, Team, or Business.
3. Keep Adobe for designed PDFs
Adobe’s route is Acrobat > Convert > Translate this PDF; Acrobat sends the PDF to Adobe Express, where Translate to chooses the target language. Select all pages, one page, or specific text, then use Tone of voice > Formal, Tone of voice > Informal, or Tone of voice > Don't change the tone when tone matters. Select Translate, then finish with Download as PDF or share. Adobe flags scanned, secured, large, complex, unsupported-font, and unsupported-language PDFs as skip cases, so move those files to another route.
4. Convert the text in Google Docs or Word
This fixes PDFs that need editable text before translation.
In Google Drive on desktop, right-click the PDF.
Then select Open with.
Select Google Docs.
Once it opens in Google Docs, select Tools > Translate document.
In Translate document, enter a translated document name and select a language.
Select Translate.
In Word, open the PDF and allow conversion when prompted.
Then select Review > Translate > Translate Document.
Choose your language, select Translate, then select OK in the original window.
Google Docs is for selectable or OCR-convertible PDF text; treat formatting as disposable in this route. Word translation requires a Microsoft 365 subscription or Office 2021, internet access, and Office connected experiences enabled; Translator is not available to customers on Microsoft 365 operated by 21Vianet.
5. Translate only the selected text
Use selected-text translation when you need a passage, not a new PDF. In Microsoft Edge, open the PDF, select text, then use the PDF toolbar’s translate icon or right-click and choose Translate selection; Edge translates the selection in a side pane. On a Mac, select PDF text in Preview or another supported app and use Control-click > Translate, and use Tools > Text Selection in Preview when selection is off. In Word, paste or convert the text, highlight it, then use Review > Translate > Translate Selection, choose the language, and select Insert.
6. Run the mobile routes from file to screenshot
For DeepL mobile, open the DeepL app.
Use the target language selector.
Tap the File icon or Document button.
Choose the PDF.
Tap Translate file.
Then share or open the translated file.
For Android copied text, open Google Translate.
Go to Menu > Settings > Tap to Translate.
Turn on Enable.
Copy selectable PDF text.
Then tap Google Translate on your current screen.
On Android 10 and up, tap Paste; on Pixel 6 and up you can also turn on Show floating icon for quick translations.
For iPhone or iPad selected text, select PDF text in a supported app.
Then tap Translate.
For iPhone or iPad screenshots, open the image.
Tap Detect Text (the Live Text icon).
Touch and hold the text you want.
Then tap Translate; if Translate is not showing, tap Show More Items first.
DeepL mobile PDF translation requires a DeepL account and does not support glossary. Google’s Android route requires copied selectable text; Apple’s tools translate selected text or captured pages rather than a full PDF file.
7. Turn scanned PDF pages into translatable images
This fixes PDF pages that behave like pictures instead of selectable text.
On a computer, open Google Translate.
Select Images.
Use From and To to choose languages.
Select Browse your computer and upload a screenshot or image of the PDF page.
Select Copy text or Download translation.
On Android, iPhone, or iPad, open the Google Translate app, use Camera, choose languages, then use All Images or Gallery, or point the camera at the text. Image clarity controls the result; small or stylized text reduces accuracy.
8. Ask ChatGPT or Copilot for text translation
Use AI chat for text translation in the conversation, not a layout-preserved translated PDF. In ChatGPT, use paperclip > upload PDF, then ask for translation into the target language; saved files come back in through the composer’s attachment or add menu, then Add from library. In Microsoft 365 Copilot Chat, sign in with an eligible account, use / to choose the document or Add and manage sources > Add work content, then ask Copilot to translate the file or summarize it in another language. ChatGPT supports PDF uploads on plans and surfaces with file upload, and Copilot uses files the signed-in Microsoft 365 account has access to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I translate PDF attachments from Outlook?
With the DeepL for Outlook add-in and a DeepL account, select the DeepL icon in the email toolbar, choose the attached files, pick languages, select Translate attachments, then use Download or Forward.
What is the Chrome warning for PDFs?
Do not use Chrome’s built-in PDF viewer as a whole-PDF translator. Official Chrome Translate help covers web pages and selected webpage text, so use Google Translate Documents for whole PDFs or Edge for selected PDF text.
Which tools fit automated PDF translation?
Google Cloud Translation supports Document Translation with application/pdf input, and DeepL API supports PDF file translation through file translation endpoints. Both require account, project, or subscription setup.
What smaller web options translate PDF files?
Yandex Translate Documents accepts PDF text files up to 5 MB. Reverso Documents supports PDF uploads with free credits and paid limits.